Microsoft announced a Bing Search API price increase effective May 1, 2023, saying it applied in all markets and would take effect automatically in the next billing cycle. That price change is now historical: Microsoft retired the Bing Search APIs on August 11, 2025, decommissioned existing instances, and directed customers toward Grounding with Bing Search in Azure AI Agents. Microsoft Learn’s retirement notice was last updated May 16, 2025.
What Microsoft announced in February 2023
Microsoft’s pricing notice, dated February 17, 2023, set May 1, 2023 as the effective date for higher Bing Search API prices. The company said the increase applied in all markets and would appear automatically in the next billing cycle after activation; customers did not need to take action for that change.
Microsoft explained the change this way: “The new pricing model reflects more accurately the technology investments Bing continues to make to improve Search.” That was Microsoft’s stated rationale. It should not be read as confirmation that a particular feature or partnership caused the increase.
Examples of the 2023 S1 price increases
ITPro’s February 21, 2023 report gave these S1 examples. They are historical figures reported at the time, not current Azure prices.
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#1 Best Overall
| Service or add-in | 2023 S1 price reported by ITPro | Billing unit |
|---|---|---|
| Bing Web Search | $7 to $25 | Per 1,000 transactions |
| Bing Image Search | $7 to $25 | Per 25,000 transactions |
| Optional Bing Statistics Add-in | $1 to $10 | Per 1,000 transactions |
The denominators differ: the Image Search example covers 25,000 transactions, while the Web Search and Statistics Add-in examples are per 1,000. The dollar amounts therefore should not be compared without their respective billing units.
How billing and throughput worked
ITPro reported that Bing Search API tiers were organized by transactions per second (TPS), while billing was based on transaction volume. If requests exceeded the TPS limit for a tier, usage was throttled to that limit. The report’s S1 prices are examples from 2023; they do not establish current costs or availability.
Rank #2
- Skill-Building Fun: This book is not just about fun; it's a tool for growth. Children develop critical observation skills, boost attention to detail, and enhance their concentration ability as they search for hidden objects. It's a delightful way to build patience and focus, one find at a time.
- 30 Different Themes: The book contains 30 unique themes for preschoolers to explore, including ocean world, beach, camp site, treasure hunt, occupation, jungle and more. Each sheet unfolds a richly illustrated theme, from bustling city scenes to enchanting forest settings, encouraging children to dive into a world of engaging visual puzzles.
- Bright-colored & Eye-catching: Every page is a visual treat, filled with vibrant colors and detailed illustrations that capture kids' attention and spark their imagination. The adorable characters and diverse environments ensure that there's always something new to discover, keeping children engaged for hours.
- Premium, Reusable & Erasable: Crafted using high-quality materials, this search and find book is built to withstand the enthusiasm and energy of preschoolers. It features waterproof, sturdy pages and a durable cover, ensuring that it can withstand repeated use and provide long-lasting enjoyment.
- Value Pack: It comes with a large activity book, 8 dry erase markers, a storage bag, all of these are packaged in reinforced protective box. It can be easily carried during travel, in restaurants, or at any other time when parents need an engaging activity to keep their preschoolers occupied.
The APIs have since been retired
Microsoft Learn states that “Bing Search APIs will be retired on August 11, 2025.” Microsoft’s notice says the APIs are no longer available for use or new signups and that existing instances would be decommissioned. It recommended migrating to Grounding with Bing Search in Azure AI Agents.
This retirement changes how the 2023 price story should be read: the listed S1 rates describe a past pricing change for a service that is no longer available, rather than an offer developers can buy today. Microsoft’s Azure pricing page still contains legacy Bing Search API content, but it does not override the retirement notice.
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- 4-BOOK SET OF HIDDEN PICTURES FUN – For younger kids ages 3-6 who want to get in on the Highlights Hidden Pictures fun, the 2026 My First Hidden Pictures 4-Book Set is just the thing; it’s a customer favorite every year
- SEEK-AND-FIND FUN FOR LITTLE ONES – With full-color images, word and picture clues, and dozens of stickers in each 24-page book, these simpler puzzles provide seek-and-find fun designed especially for little ones
- BUILD SKILLS THROUGH PLAY – Other activities like mazes, matching games and handwriting practice reinforce fine motor skills, attention to detail and concentration; Hidden Pictures puzzles encourage independence and persistence through positive learning experiences
- MUST-HAVE ROAD TRIP ESSENTIAL – Keep kids entertained during long drives, flights or any time they’re on the go; light and easy to pack, this kids travel essential offers hours of screen-free fun that's perfect for keeping little hands busy and boredom at bay
- PERFECT GIFT FOR KIDS – Whether it’s for a birthday, holiday or just to brighten a child’s day, this My First activity book set is the ultimate way to surprise and delight; packed with hours of play, it’s a thoughtful gift that helps kids build essential skills, all while having fun
How to interpret Azure pricing information
Microsoft’s Azure pricing page warns that displayed estimates are not actual quotes and can vary with agreement, purchase date, exchange rate, region, and currency. Given the API retirement, that page should not be treated as evidence that the retired Bing Search APIs can currently be purchased. The retirement notice identifies Grounding with Bing Search in Azure AI Agents as a migration direction; it does not establish that the historical S1 rates apply to that product.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.What the increase meant for other search services
ITPro reported in February 2023 that DuckDuckGo and Ecosia used Bing APIs, while noting that the effect of the increase on them was unclear at the time. That reporting describes their arrangements as understood then, not their present-day providers or costs.
Quick Recap
Rank #4
- Skill-Building Fun: This book is not just about fun; it's a tool for growth. Children develop critical observation skills, boost attention to detail, and enhance their concentration ability as they search for hidden objects. It's a delightful way to build patience and focus, one find at a time.
- 30 Different Themes: The book contains 30 unique themes for preschoolers to explore, including the garden, ocean world, construction site, supermarket, clothing store, zoo, desert, and more. Each sheet unfolds a richly illustrated theme, from bustling city scenes to enchanting forest settings, encouraging children to dive into a world of engaging visual puzzles.
- Bright-colored & Eye-catching: Every page is a visual treat, filled with vibrant colors and detailed illustrations that capture kids' attention and spark their imagination. The adorable characters and diverse environments ensure that there's always something new to discover, keeping children engaged for hours.
- Premium, Reusable & Erasable: Crafted using high-quality materials, this search and find book is built to withstand the enthusiasm and energy of preschoolers. It features waterproof, sturdy pages and a durable cover, ensuring that it can withstand repeated use and provide long-lasting enjoyment.
- Value Pack: It comes with a large activity book, 8 dry-erase markers, and a storage bag, all of these are packaged in a reinforced protective box. It can be easily carried during travel, in restaurants, or at any other time when parents need an engaging activity to keep their preschoolers occupied.
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
